The original solo piano works of Mily Balakirev

Abstract

I. The purpose of the present study is to examine the original solo piano works of Mily Balakirev and, thereby, to discover their significance in the history of Russian music and to establish their value in the piano repertoire.Chapter I discusses Balakirev's role as a composer, conductor, pianist, musical leader and educator. It gives an in-depth assessment of possible reasons for Balakirev's lack of prominence and popularity as a composer both during his lifetime and after.Chapter II reviews his life and works in the context of the musical climate of nineteeth-century Russia.Chapter III presents a general survey of Balakirev's thirty-eight original piano works. The compositions are divided into three periods: early, middle and late. Each is discussed in terms of its stylistic traits, publisher, dates of composition and publication, dedications, and the conditions and circumstances under which the piece was composed.Chapter IV examines the limitations and weaknesses in the piano works. Eight categories of compositional weaknesses are discussed, with specific pieces chosen to illustrate each area of deficiency.In the same manner, Chapter V looks at the strengths and uniqueness of the piano works, with special attention given to the influence of Western classical music, Eastern elements and Russian folk music upon Balakirev.II. The second project is a D.M.A. piano recital presented August 22, 1977 at the University of Washington, School of Music. A tape recording of the performance is on file in the School of Music record library. The program includes: Scarlatti--Sonata in A Major, L. 238 and Sonata in D Major, L.465; Copland--Variations; Beethoven--Sonata in A('(FLAT)) Major, Op.110; and Chopin--Sonata in B Minor, Op.58.III. The third project is a second D.M.A. piano recital given on August 13, 1978 at the University of Washington, School of Music. A tape recording of the performance is on file in the School of Music record library. The program includes: Beethoven--Sonata in F Minor, Op.57; Chopin--Sonata in B('(FLAT)) Minor, Op.35; and Debussy--Images, Book II.